Dr. Richard Carmona, the 17th Surgeon General of the United States, is a distinguished public health leader and practicing physician whose career is defined by a profound commitment to preventative care. His journey began as a combat-decorated Vietnam veteran, leading to a medical career that includes surgical training, trauma care expertise, and academic professorships in surgery, public health, and pharmacy. His realization that preventable factors underlie many illnesses drove his focus on public health, culminating in his unanimous Senate confirmation as Surgeon General. During his tenure, he championed prevention, preparedness, and health equity, issuing landmark reports like the one on secondhand smoke.